Answer

All three are branches within the Shvetambar Jain tradition. Their main difference is in worship style, religious practice, and monastic discipline.

• Murtipujak: worships idols/murtis of Tirthankars in temples.
• Sthanakwasi: does not worship idols; practices prayer, study, and meditation in sthanak/upashray.
• Terapanthi: also does not worship idols, but follows a more disciplined and organized form of Sthanakwasi tradition.

Explanation

1) Murtipujak

• Believes in temple worship and idol worship of Tirthankars.
• Performs puja, darshan, pratikraman, and temple rituals.
• Temples are an important part of religious life.

2) Sthanakwasi

• Does not believe in idol worship.
• Does not use temples for murti puja.
• Devotion and practice are done in sthanak or upashray.
• Focus is on:

- meditation - scriptural study - repentance - self-discipline

3) Terapanthi

• Also does not believe in idol worship.
• Is a sub-branch of Sthanakwasi.
• Known for:

- very strict discipline - simplicity - strong monastic order - one central Acharya system

• Places great emphasis on:

- conduct - austerity - non-attachment - organized spiritual practice

Simple Comparison

| Aspect | Murtipujak | Sthanakwasi | Terapanthi | |---|---|---|---| | Idol worship | Yes | No | No | | Temple worship | Yes | No | No | | Place of worship | Temple | Sthanak / Upashray | Sthanak / Upashray | | Main focus | Bhakti and rituals | Study and meditation | Discipline, simplicity, and order | | Relation | Separate Shvetambar stream | Separate Shvetambar stream | A stricter branch of Sthanakwasi |

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, the outer form of practice may differ, but the inner goal remains the same:

• self-purification
• non-violence
• control over passions
• karma shedding
• liberation

So these differences are mainly in method, not in the final Jain goal.

Takeaway

• Murtipujak = temple and idol worship tradition
• Sthanakwasi = non-idol worship, spiritual practice in sthanak
• Terapanthi = non-idol worship with stricter discipline and organization

If you want, I can also give you a very short 3-line version or a detailed historical comparison.